Timberwolves’ Joan Beringer exits Pelicans clash with nasal injury

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ NBA Cup clash against the New Orleans Pelicans featured an impressive slam from Jaden McDaniels. Unfortunately for Timberwolves big man Joan Beringer, he was on the receiving end of the wrong kind of slam to the face.

Per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Beringer suffered a nasal fracture and will not return to the game.

Beringer got an elbow to the face that saw him bleeding from the nose while shooting two free throws. He had to leave to clean the blood off, but upon the diagnosis of a nasal fracture, he was subsequently ruled out. He finished the game with two points and three rebounds in seven minutes of action.

The Timberwolves’ first-round pick last year, Beringer has been Rudy Gobert’s primary backup at center this season after Naz Reid’s departure. He’s averaging 6.2 points and 6.9 rebounds in 17.6 minutes over nine games.

It remains to be seen whether Beringer will miss significant time with his nasal injury. When he does return to the court, he will likely have to wear a mask to protect his face.

If Beringer is sidelined, the Wolves will find themselves quite thin in the frontcourt. Veteran Trey Lyles will likely step in to back up Gobert. The 31-year-old, who is in his first season in Minnesota, is averaging 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17 minutes off the Wolves’ bench this season.

After the Pelicans game, the Timberwolves will be back in action on Sunday to take on the struggling Utah Jazz to start a long eight-game home stand.